Whether or not a small business should own or rent commercial space is a decades-old discussion. Some businesses, like many retail establishments, may have little choice as prime shopping locations are only available for rent.

Today, I'm somewhat circumspect to report that the tale of "Joshie" the giraffe has a sequel, as the most famous stuffed animal ever left behind at a hotel was, once again, accidentally left at a hotel. And the Ritz-Carlton blew us away a second time.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Spanish philosopher George Santayana who said: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Believe it or not, we can draw a connection between this 110-year-old quotation and small business lending today.

If you haven't yet heard about the "Wall of Maturities" in the commercial mortgage market, you will soon. Between now and 2017, more than $300 billion in commercial real estate loans will mature and need to be refinanced.